Kings County, NY Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)

New York State's invasive species regulations under 6 NYCRR Part 575 (effective 2015) establish two categories: Prohibited species that cannot be knowingly possessed, sold, imported, purchased, transported, or introduced; and Regulated species that cannot be knowingly introduced into a free-living state. The prohibited list includes approximately 70 plant species. Common invasive species found in Brooklyn's urban environment include tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica), porcelain berry (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata), mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), Norway maple (Acer platanoides — regulated), and oriental bittersweet. NYC Parks Department actively manages invasives in Brooklyn's parks and natural areas. The NYC Urban Forest Agenda recommends planting native species for street trees and park plantings. Brooklyn Botanic Garden operates a New York Metropolitan Flora project tracking invasive species in the region. Property owners are not typically penalized for having existing invasive plants, but selling or distributing prohibited species is illegal. New York City's street tree program under Parks Department jurisdiction uses approved native and adapted species only.